What do these three people have in common?
Answer:
We might have heard of the term a few times on Social Media and know it’s a bad thing, but are you fully aware of why non-Black’s try to portray themselves as Black people? Today we will unravel the deceptive trend claiming the media by storm.
🕵️♀️ What in the World is Blackfishing?
Alright, detectives, let’s start with the basics. Blackfishing is like the wild cousin of catfishing. You know, when someone pretends to be someone else online using fake pics? Well, Blackfishing is when non-Black individuals, mostly women, try to mimic Black features to gain media attention and popularity. It’s like they are attracted by the 'coolness' and aesthetic appeal associated with Blackness, without having to deal with the discrimination and bias actual Black individuals face in their day-to-day lives. Blackfishing is simply when you reduce the whole history of Black people to certain traits you can use for your benefit.
🎨The Art of Blackfishing
So, how do they pull it off? Some people use tanning, cosmetic surgery, or filters to darken their skin and mimic those stereotypical "African-American" features. They might even wear box braids or dreadlocks and talk like they just stepped out of a rap video. 🎤 Now, why is this a bad thing?. Well, doing so effectively reduces the significance of Black culture to something that can be used or removed at free will. Definitely not cool. 🚫
Blackface vs Blackfishing
Hold up! Before we go any further, let's clear something up. Blackfishing is different from blackface, the act of wearing dark makeup to exaggerate Black features to mock Black people, often for comedic purposes. Blackfishing, on the other hand, involves appropriating Black features not for humor but for personal gain, particularly for online fame and fortune. There are many reasons why someone might blackfish, let’s look at a few.
Insecurities: Some people Blackfish because they feel insecure about how they look. They want to fit in and feel confident by copying what they think are attractive features.
Racial Fetishism: Others do it because they're kind of obsessed with certain traits they associate with Black culture. They turn Blackness into a fashion statement, which can be disrespectful.
Trying too Hard: Sometimes, people who aren't Black do it to look like they care about racial issues or to fit into a particular culture. It's like wearing a costume to get attention or show support, but it can come off as insincere. For instance, back in the 1960s, some white individuals wore Afros and dashikis as a fashion trend to seem cool.
Black Benefits
Here's where it gets wild, peeps! 👀 Individuals who appear racially ambiguous (mixed) gain popularity and trendiness from blackfishing. This creates an environment where non-Black individuals can transition between their hairstyles and traditional Black looks without opposition, turning them into a trend that isn’t trendy and requires a lot of sacrifice for black individuals, especially black women. As more images of Black people embracing their culture become more mainstream in the media, non-Blacks who appropriate our skin or hair, fail to understand the struggle Black people go through to reach that point.
🙇♂️ The Mental Toll on Black Individuals
All this Blackfishing has a cost, and it's a big one. This has negatively affected the mental health and well-being of Black individuals. Black individuals suffer from disrespect, and it can also lead to Black fatigue — "exhaustion born of 'the small day-to-day acts of aggression, or small acts of disrespect' a Black person endures." [7] Participating in this act also strips real Black people from advocating for healthcare change. Shockingly, a 2016 study found that about half of medical residents and students believed racist myths about Black people, such as that they feel less pain. 😡
Quick Poll 😊
Have you ever encountered instances of Blackfishing on social media?
Yes...😔
No! 😊
I forget...😓
Image credit: Freepik/pikisuperstar
🤝 Appropriation vs. Representation
Now, here's the million-dollar question: where's the line between appreciation and appropriation? Black individuals fight for representation, while Blackfishers use it as a mask for diversity. Wanna Thompson, the journalist that created the term ‘Blackfishing’ said that, “Instead of appreciating Black culture from the sidelines, there’s this need to own it, to participate in it without wanting the full experience of Blackness and the systemic discrimination that comes with it”. In order to appreciate a culture, you first have to recognize that it IS a culture. A culture with people-- people like you, who deserve the same amount of respect you do. In order to appreciate, you must understand that appreciating doesn't mean becoming. It means learning, advocating, and respecting something.
🚀 Be the Change, High School Heroes!
Alright, young warriors, it's time to act! First, educate yourselves about Blackfishing and its impact. 📚 You've already aced step one by reading this blog – way to go! Now, if you catch yourself Blackfishing, it's never too late to stop. Find out why you're doing it and get help if you need it. 🤗
And for those on the right side of the trend, speak out when you spot someone Blackfishing. A comment here or there on social media can make a big difference. 🗣️ Remember, the future is in your hands, so take charge and let's put an end to Blackfishing! #TeenTakeover! ✌️
Sources
Hey everyone! 👋 What are your thoughts on the rising trend of Blackfishing? Have you witnessed it firsthand or observed discussions about it? Share your perspectives on the impact it may have and any potential solutions to address this issue. Let's spark a meaningful conversation! 💬 #BlackfishingDiscussion
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